Giovanni’s

5 Stars??? If I could give 10 stars I would. On a busy Saturday night, we didn’t have a reservation, and on a whim decided to try Giovannis which was on our «to-​do» list forever! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by Karsten (server) who went out of his way to take our coats, find any seats available. The restaurant was packed and very very loud (only negative to this restaurant — music and 1000 voices is very loud).
When we mentioned the noise and that it was our anniversary, Karsten immediately took a special interest in making our night one to remember. He managed to find special table for us in a quiet corner, made excellent recommendations on the food and wine, and timed everything perfectly. We have never had such positive, welcoming service from start to finish — ever. The food is amazing, scallops like butter, and cheesecake like nothing we’ve ever tasted before. We are so thankful to have had this amazing experience. We will be back!

Four of us dropped in for a late dinner a couple of days before Christmas. It was my first time here and I was very impressed from the moment I stepped through the door and was greeted by the owner.
Very lively restaurant that reminded me of some family owned Italian restaurants I have visited in NY and SF.
Service was very good as was the food. Not overly expensive considering the atmosphere, service and food. Good wine list too.
I hope to return soon.

The food was amazing– but is definitely designed for an in-​restaurant experience. Although they told us they were happy to take an order over the phone and have us pick it up, their estimate of how long it would take was wildly inaccurate, causing us to have to awkwardly wait in the teeny weeny waiting area for an extra 35 minutes, even though we’d given an extra 10 – 15 to go pick up, just in case. Given that the parking is so terrible in the area, that straight up sucked.
I’d like to go back someday to dine-​in, but that wasn’t possible that evening, and although they were pleased to accommodate by taking our money and asking for a tip (which unfortunately I gave them fairly generously before they announced our food still wasn’t ready) for not actually serving us, I wouldn’t advise you to ever go the take-​out route.

We came here for a special night out and were not disappointed. This is the best Italian food I have had in Ottawa, hands down. Each time I have been here the food was excellent, and this latest visit was no exception.
The décor is more modern Italian with chic Milan stylings. Service is excellent — well staffed and very knowledgeable. The wine list is extensive and covers just about every base, with quite a few excellent selections available. The menu is also extensive, with many selections in just about every category.
We started with the carpaccio — prepared simply and without hiding the flavour of the meat — very nice. For the mains we had the Scampi and the Veal Involtini. The Scampi were wonderful, juicy, perfectly cooked, with a delicious risotto with a hint of saffron. The veal involtini were fabulous — thin slices of veal rolled up with prosciutto and bocconcini — we ate until we just couldn’t eat any more.
I only wish I had room for dessert as we saw some go by and they looked fantastic, but really, the dinner was so good, we just couldn’t stop and the portions were sufficiently large to fill both of us with ease.
Will I come back? Absolutely!

My mom and I treated my brother and his wife in celebration of her birthday last night. Our great experience started at the curb dropping off our car to the valet and continued to impress us throughout the night with outstanding service during our dining experience. The food was perfection (I had the Pollo Portofino)! Cocktails, appetizers, main entre and dessert — Primo! Worth every penny!!!

How have I not been here before? Great restaurant…

I was treated to my first experience at Giovanni’s, and it was wonderful !
Giovanni’s exudes class, from the moment you walk in. The staff is warm and welcoming, and very attentive. Everyone works well together, and so offer impeccable service. Our waiter, Tony, was amazing. He recommended a Cabernet Sauvignon and made sure we were in need of nothing.
We were so pampered, it felt like being on vacation. You forgot all about being in the cold of Ottawa !
I was treated to the Pollo Portofino, chicken breast topped with King crab accompanied by pasta. Now, I am a big fan of crab so I am biased, but the meal was delicious !
For desert I had the crème brulée, and my tummy was not disappointed.
So, friends, if you are looking to treat yourself or a loved one Giovanni’s is the place to go. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Cheers !

So I had reservations at another place near by and changed them to Giovanni’s on a recommendation. First impression fancy i’m not going to feel comfortable here, boy was I wrong from the second my friend and I stepped in the door the staff was amazing. Someone spoke to us as soon as we arrived welcoming us, they asked if we wanted someone to take our coats. We were taken to our table and asked if we wanted anything to drink. Unlike a lot of places where you feel rushed, staff didn’t rush us they gave us lots of time and answered our questions.
We started off with the antipasto all italiana it was amazing everything on it was great I passed on the artichoke, but it was prepared and presented beautifully just not my taste. The main course arrived, we both ordered the pollo portofino and simply it was to die for, I was thinking how can they justify that price for it. Wow it was worth every penny the chicken was so tender and the crab was excellent and the sauce was divine, i was wiping it up with the amazing homemade rolls. To accompany dinner we had a nice Cabernet sauvignon recommended by our waiter. then we had crème brule for desert also magnificent.
So I would like to add a side note about the best part of the experience the staff our it seems small to call him a waiter, but the gentleman who took care of us was Tony and he was awesome from great recommendations to fun and lively conversation he introduced us to every staff who came by and the host checked in us a few times Tony was there very often but he wasn’t intrusive. The meal was expensive especially compared to some other places. I’ve never payed that much for a meal before, however we left feeling that we got every cent of our moneys worth it honestly felt more like going to a family members place even though it was fancy I never felt intimidated if you are looking for an amazing dinging experience this is it. I will be back and asking for tony.
In short it was well worth it I felt pampered and taken care of the whole time, The atmosphere didn’t feel forced it literally felt like they cared about their customer they which can come off as fake sometimes not here, I cant say enough you need to go experience it yourself!!!

If you are looking for a fancy Italian meal then look no further. There is free valet parking (what could be better in Ottawa, really?) so that you don’t have to walk around in the cold. Once you get inside your coat is whisked away so you don’t have to bother with it on the back of your chair. The servers are all incredibly nice. My server helped me pick out a lovely wine. I ordered penne pomodoro and was very happy with my choice. When I am in an Italian restaurant for the first time I tend to chose this simple dish because it is the easiest way to judge if the place is any good. Some restaurants boast good Italian food and then they make pasta with sauce that obviously comes out of a can. This is not the case for Giovanni’s. The sauce was delicious! It was homemade with just enough basil. Perfecto! I can’t wait to try other items on the menu.

I came here for my first time for my best friends birthday. Four of us girls. From the moment we got there with the free valet to the time we left with a free lemoncelli shot it was the best.
The food was amazing and they really out of their way. For example I wasn’t sure if I wanted sausage in my pasta or chicken and the server offered for me to have both with no extra cost.
Once I got my meal, it was so tasty. I mean the best friggen pasta I have ever had. The drinks were flowing, I had a few martinis and they were so delicious.
The atmosphere was so warm and romantic and dim. Such a restaurant! I am defiantly going back and having another great experience.
If your looking for a date night, girls night, guys night or even a family night, I would recommend this place without hesitation!

I was really disappointed. I had heard great things about this restaurant. There wasn’t anything we ate that was bad, however there wasn’t anything exceptional either. We shared appetizers — the calamari and zucchini fritti were good but not great. For the main course, I had the Mare e Terra. Again, fine but not great. I found that the filet mignon had a burned taste that I didn’t appreciate. Considering the so-​so food, I also didn’t appreciate the price of the meal!
The highlight was the service — they were friendly, prompt and helpful. No complaints there!

As a few other reviews have stated, this used to be a great place for Italian cuisine.
On a recent visit on a Saturday night all 8 of us were disappointed with the quality of food coming out of the kitchen. The Caprese salad has been greatly reduced in size with minimal dressing and one lonely basil leaf. The trio plate was overcooked with less flavour than pasta sauce that you buy at a grocery store. Even the servers were doing a poor job, passing plates in front of the person, beside the person that was to receive their dish.
I used to be a great fan — won’t return.

By far, best tiramisu in town!
I honestly have nothing but great things to say about Giovanni’s. From the warm welcoming smiles you get… be it Sam, Fabio or Nino, it’s always very pleasant from the moment you walk into the restaurant.
The menu is full of deliciousness all together. I’ve never been disappointed. I personally like their gnocchi in rosé sauce, their seafood linguini (which I usually make fettuccini!) —-they’re great accommodating to your needs or preferences! Their chicken parm is also amazing!
We’ve gotten served by Tony, Costa, Fernando, Trevor and Stefano… they’re honestly all amazing! We’ve become Tony’s regular (there’s just no dull moments with him!), however, every member of the staff seems to have been carefully selected! Well mannered and very attentive!
We love coming here for special occasions but I’ll sometimes swing by with clients either for lunch or dessert/​coffee whenever we’re in the area —they all love it!
I prefer lunches and weekdays dinners, unless I’m in celebration-mode…in that case I’m good with Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (which are busier nights —call for reservations!).

Came by for a late lunch the other day and was pleasantly surprised. The interior of the restaurant was pretty upscale and we were immediately brought to a table and offered to check our coats.
Started off with the Fried Zucchini and Fried Calamari, both of which were very good. They were nicely fried and tasty. …portions were too large to finish!
Moved on to the Veal as the main entrée and it was excellent. The veal was very tender and flavorful. The sides were both fresh and well cooked too.
Ended off the meal with the tiramisu which was excellent. Not too sweet and very fresh and moist.
Service was excellent throughout the meal.
~$ 60/​head after tax and tip for lunch.

I’ve been going there for years just to eat their veal parmigeana. Last time the breading was a bit mushy, not like usual. The service is always great and I’m hoping that was just a fluke because I always considered the veal parmigeana at Giovanni’s to be the best up until this time.

This was my second time at Giovannis. I have a good memory of my first time: good food, friendly service and pleasant ambience. Tonight was a totally different experience.
Insulting host, unfriendly service, average food. The place was packed and so loud that we had to shout to hear each other. In addition, at some point they dimmed the lights so much that people were using the light from their phone to read the menu. All that for an above average price.

Been here many times but figured I would write a review since they have recently done a big reno. The reno definitely has helped it was fully packed on the night I was there, it also seems a bit of a younger crowd as well which is good. There was a cast of characters the night I was there. A couple of guys with three escorts, a few celebs (by Ottawa standards) and pretty much every woman in the place was a babe (that doesn’t really matter I guess but it helps :)
Anyway, on to the food etc. Considering this is arguable Ottawa’s best high end Italian place the food is just ok. We started with a couple of old fashions for a cocktail and sent them back because they were watery, the second ones were basically the same so we just tolerated them. I don’t find the food ever disappoints but at the same time I have never walked out and though I just had a kick ass meal. As a few others have pointed out the prices have definitely jumped, $ 35 for a seafood risotto with limited seafood is a bit much. The wine list is extensive and quite good, the staff is also extremely friendly and accommodating, also a round of sambucas at the end of the night was a nice touch.
If these guys could just tweak the food a little it would be a top shelf joint, the food scene in Ottawa has vastly improved over the years and you can’t just stay the same. With the reno I thought a refreshed menu was also going to be offered but it is basically the same as it has always been.
There are a few places on Preston that don’t have the cache (or prices) of Giovannis that are just as good food wise but they get overlooked by the big guy on the block. I do enjoy this place and will be back, mostly due to the staff and the vibe.

We’ve been going hear every Valentine’s Day for three consecutive years. Our yearly treat. The service has always been exceptional. From the moment you drive up to the restaurant, valet, checking in, coat check, menu selection etc… Attention to detail is phenomenal. For the price, the service AND menu items are totally worth it. We always go for the seafood entrees. Great newly renovated inside and outside adds to the already great ambiance.
Highly recommended.

I was about 11 years old when my dad took me for the first time to Giovanni’s — my first time at a fancy restaurant. Going back there tonight just blew me away. From the free valet parking to the best customer service I have ever experienced, Giovanni’s is really top notch! All three pasta meals we had were excellent! Really happy I went back.

I used to love this restaurant — great food, decent prices, amazing service and free valet parking!
I have since gone back after the renovations and the prices were hiked up considerable. The food quality and presentation has not stepped to live to its price.
Also, I had ordered a $ 10 glass of the Chianti, which was delicious when I was brought my second glass. The wine was not the same at all — it was much fruity and the colour was much lighter. When I mentioned to the waiter that the second glass was not the Chianti… he assured me he poured it himself. I knew there was a big difference and I asked for another glass. He brought back the bottle and poured me a new glass — it was definitely the Chianti this time around. I’m not sure if it was a mistake or they were hoping I wouldn’t notice the difference and served me a cheaper wine.
All in all — I would go back but only if the prices go down.